Weiss Lake is the northernmost reservoir on the Coosa River, and is the largest lake in a series of lakes that stretch down this river to Montgomery, Alabama. Alabama Power completed Weiss Dam in 1961, and the dam is located near the Alabama-Georgia state line. This large lake is filled with shallow flats, underwater drop-offs, large coves, and deep channels.

Fishing

Known as the "Crappie Capital of the World," this Weiss Lake also is one of the best bass fisheries in Alabama. Largemouth and striped bass are favored, and other species include white bass and catfish. Interestingly, the state record fish was a ten-pound, 14-ounce walleye caught in 1980.

Lack of fishing records doesn’t deter anglers, as fishing is Cherokee County's major economic engine. Anglers need to use an Alabama license when fishing the Alabama portion of this lake, and a Georgia license when fishing the Georgia portion of Weiss Lake.

Boaters can find public access areas and almost 40 privately-run marinas at Weiss Lake. Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (AWFF) maintains five ramps at Cedar Bluff, Chattooga Bridge, East Diversion east of Leesburg and north of U.S. 411, Leesburg Ramp, and Mud Creek.

There is no lack of campgrounds and other accommodations, as well as supplies and restaurants around Weiss Lake. DeSoto State Park, which contains a resort lodge, motel rooms, cabins, chalets, and camp sites, is located less than an hour north from the lake. Other accommodations are readily available around the lake, in Centre, and along I-59.

Located mostly in Cherokee County in Alabama and spilling into Floyd County in Georgia, Weiss Lake is very near the I-59 route that connects Chattanooga, Tennessee to Birmingham, Alabama. Chattanooga actually is closer to the lake than Birmingham at 79 miles compared to 92 miles. Other towns in the area include Centre -- which is situated on the southern shores of this lake in Alabama, and Rome, Georgia. Other towns in Alabama include Fort Payne and Collinsville on I-59.